European Safer Gambling Week has started
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18 Nov 2024 •
Reading time: 3 minutes Today marks the start of European Safer Gambling Week, an annual event aimed at collectively raising awareness about the importance of responsible gambling. Organised by European gambling associations and regulators, this thematic week, held every November, focuses on measures, tools and best practices to prevent problematic gambling behaviour.
A major European initiative
With the rise of online gambling, which represents a growing share of the market, the issues related to responsible gambling are taking on an international dimension. Many European countries have seen an increase in risky behaviour, particularly with the increased accessibility of digital platforms and ubiquitous advertising.
European Safer Gambling Week seeks to harmonise prevention efforts and encourage collaboration between industry stakeholders. Regulators, operators and problem gambler support associations are joining forces to raise awareness and educate about the potential dangers of excessive gambling.
The week’s objectives
During this week, several initiatives are implemented:
- Awareness campaigns: Educational messages are disseminated online, in the media and on gaming platforms.
- Workshops and conferences: Events bring together experts, regulators and operators to discuss best practices in prevention.
- Staff training: Operators reinforce the training of their teams on recognizing the signs of problem gambling.
- Promotion of management tools: These tools include options such as deposit limits, temporary breaks and self-exclusion.
Towards raising awareness in the sector
The gambling sector is often criticized for its social impact, particularly on vulnerable populations. The European Safer Gambling Week reflects a progressive change in the industry, which seeks to promote a more ethical and sustainable model. Operators are encouraged to invest in technology to detect risky behaviors and to adopt responsible marketing practices.
The role of players and society
In addition to the actions of companies and regulators, preventing problem gambling requires players themselves to take responsibility. Learning to recognise the warning signs, setting time and money limits, and seeking help when needed are all essential. Families, friends and communities also play a key role in supporting those in difficulty and denouncing irresponsible behaviour by some operators.
European Safer Gambling Week is an opportunity for everyone – operators, regulators and players – to reflect on their responsibilities in promoting a healthy and safe gaming environment. This week is the perfect opportunity to learn, adopt good practices and contribute to a more responsible gambling culture in Europe.
How to participate?
Participating is easy, BAGO, the sector association of online providers in Belgium, also has a program at the same time as Safer Gambling Week.
The agenda is as follows:
- Introduction and BAGO’s duty of Care covenant – Tom De Clercq (BAGO president°
- Channelisation in Belgium: The risk of the black market – Sam Richardson (NEPA)
- Player protection: The role of operators – Professor Xavier Noël (ULB)
- Strengthening player protection: Innovative monitoring solutions for safe gambling in Belgium and beyond – Paul Murphy (Mindway AI)
- Together and everywhere, working towards better protection – Magali Clavie (President of the Gaming Commission)
- Panel discussion on player protection and gambling with regard to youth.
- David Ketteridge (Founder and Coach at Reset.be)
- Vasiliki Panousi (Manager of EU Affairs EGBA – experience on gambling and youth)
- How do private operators protect players and fulfil their duty of care – Jean-Christophe Choffray (Gaming1)
- Closing – Emmanuel Mewissen (BAGO Vice-President)
This event will be available in French, Dutch and English. You can register here if you want to be there (registration)